Ministers launch new bid to back bottle plan
MINISTERS have taken a major step towards launching a cash for bottles scheme in Scotland.
They are calling in recycling experts to draft a model for the empties refunds plan. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham will today reveal she has asked Zero Waste Scotland to investigate the benefits and costs involved.
It has been hailed as a key moment in the drive to cut plastic waste which is a danger to wildlife as well as an eyesore.
The Daily Mail’s Banish the Bottles campaign launched this year calls for a 10p charge on a bottle or can of drink, returned when the containers are brought back. Most MSPs support the idea, while Coca-Cola calls it ‘the only show in town’ when it comes to cleaning up beaches, towns, streets and countryside.
Miss Cunningham has asked Zero Waste for designs. Consultations will follow before ministers decide to go ahead.
The government-funded agency believes that the cash-back incentive will boost recycling by a fifth to as high as 90 per cent. And it anticipates savings to councils of as much as £9.2million a year on waste management.
Miss Cunningham said: ‘I am grateful to Zero Waste Scotland for its work so far and to everyone who provided evidence to help us better understand the benefits for recycling and reducing litter, and the potential impact on retailers and local authorities.
‘Clearly there are a number of issues for the Scottish Government to consider that can only be addressed by carrying out work to understand the design of a system. I have asked Zero Waste Scotland to start this work.
‘Progress will be overseen by a steering group involving representatives from the packaging industry, retailers and environmental groups.’
Last night Jenni Hume, of the Have You Got The Bottle? campaign, said: ‘This decision by Roseanna Cunningham will break the log-jam on this issue, and today she will be cheered from the rooftops by a wide range of businesses and campaigners.’
Aberdeenshire councillor Paul Johnston said: ‘Aberdeenshire was the first to back deposit-return in public, early last year.
‘We unanimously endorsed the idea across all political groups.
‘Deposit-return would mean less litter in our beautiful towns and countryside, and help prevent plastic waste from entering our marine environment and littering our beaches.’
Despite the extensive support, the Scottish Government has been cautious on introducing the scheme, amid concerns at the potential cost to businesses.
Scottish Labour environment spokesman Claudia Beamish said: ‘Labour backs the Scottish Daily Mail’s campaign for plastic bottle deposit schemes across Scotland.
‘This is an important step forward which shows that the government is taking this issue seriously.
‘I look forward to seeing the model that they produce.
‘It will be important to ensure that there is assessment of the need for any exemptions as well as arrangements for shared collection points for rural areas.’